Cowboys’ DaRon Bland sets the single-season record with the 5th pick of 6

It only took five days.

The second-year cornerback returned an interception 63 yards for the Cowboys’ final score in a 45-10 demolition of the Washington Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day.

“It’s amazing, especially on this day,” Bland said. “Another thing to be thankful for.”

Entering Thursday, Bland was tied with Eric Allen (1993), Jim Kearney (1972), and Ken Houston (1971) for the record.

Bland has more defensive offense than any other team this season. The Indianapolis Colts are second with three. His five touchdowns are on par with notable offensive players such as Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs.

“We have a lot of games to play as well, so who knows where he will extend this record?” Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said. “Like I said the first time you all asked me about the guy – great player, prepares, does everything the right way. I can’t say I’m surprised he’s getting the ball, but it’s unbelievable to watch him get those touchdowns and be so hungry.” To reach the finish area. I am proud of him.”

Bland’s record came after a jumper from Washington’s Sam Howell to Jahan Dotson on second-and-10 from the Dallas 43. After breaking the ball, the Cowboys’ line erupted as Bland ran down the field. Howell nearly brought it down at the Washington 17, but he got past the quarterback and then eluded Brian Robinson Jr. and Terry McLaurin on the 11 to get into the end zone.

“I wasn’t going to say no to that,” said Bland, who added that his family from California was at the game.

The touchdown led to a wild celebration that ended up in one of the Salvation Army’s red kettles, surrounded by at least a dozen of his teammates. The party went on so long that coach Mike McCarthy had to call a timeout before attempting the point-by-point.

“I think there are some traditions that I don’t quite agree with yet,” McCarthy said. “But I’m glad they worked with us and obviously we took the time out as well, just to get things under control. Yeah, that’s a big moment, let’s be honest. The sideline just exploded. Very happy, very proud of Darron.”

Bland opened the season with a 22-yard touchdown run in Dallas’ 40-0 win over the Giants after Trevon Diggs hit Barkley so hard that the ball jumped into the air. His second goal came against the New England Patriots, when quarterback Mac Jones attempted to throw the ball back across the field to Kendrick Bourne, and Bland returned it untouched 54 yards for a score. His third goal – a 30-yard return – came against the Los Angeles Rams when Matthew Stafford was off a Cooper Kupp punt.

In Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers, Bland cut a passing route from Bryce Young to Jonathan Mingo and, after completing a somersault, was able to sprint 30 yards to the end zone.

“It’s one thing to intercept the ball. It’s another thing to mentally expect to maybe take it to the end zone,” Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. “That’s another dimension that I think we should all look at. That run he made into the end zone, I don’t care if it was a quarterback trying to tackle him, that run was a determined run.”

Bland was the last player to enter the locker room, and was met with a giant roar that could be heard down the hallway.

“I didn’t see anyone,” he said. “I just heard it all. It felt good.”